We all know weddings are expensive, but here a few tips to make sure you (and your family) don't go broke!
Consider having your wedding in the off-season: January - March and during late fall
Rent tuxes or suits instead of buying them for the bridal party
Shop for your bridesmaid's dresses during prom season and after New Year's - no one said you have to purchase these dresses at a bridal shop!
Silk flowers can be a great alternative to fresh flowers for use in your decorations. Plus, you can re-use them for future events
To make your invitations less expensive, do them yourself. There are a number of paper stores and websites available where you can find original ideas and ways to make your own invitations
Buy your own hair accessories; don't leave it up to the stylist to supply them
The fancier the food at the your reception is, the more expensive it will be. Stick to familiar foods and only choose fruits and vegetables that are in season
Having a champagne toast? Limit the champagne to you and your bridal party
Holding your reception in a hotel has a lot of good points. They usually decorate, offer professional services like a DJ, can cater well to large groups, and will most likely include the honeymoon suite with discounted rooms for out-of-town guests
DJs cost less than a live band
Remember also to utilize your friends and family who have special skills. Maybe your sister is great with hair and makeup, or your aunt is a florist. If you have a friend who is great with a camera, ask them to do your photos - this will save you a great deal on hiring someone for the whole day and purchasing a package
Hope these tips have given you some good ideas on how to cut some costs while planning your wedding!
We've all been to weddings that offer a wedding favor - a small gift to each guest that we get to take home at the end of the night. This is a great way to give a little something back to the friends and family who have attended your celebration. Traditionally, most weddings have them. Here are a few tips to consider.
Giving wedding favors that have meaning to you as a couple is a sweet gesture to make your guests remember your wedding and be able to tie the memory of that occasion to the newlyweds. If you have decided to give wedding favors just to give them, you might want to think again. Think of all those weddings you have gone to that give a pouch of M&Ms or jordan almonds. When you got home, did you set it aside in memory of a great celebration of love? Chances are, probably not.
Why not try something unique and personal to your day? Choose a favor that mimics the theme of your wedding; or maybe something that you and your fiance have in common and is a major part of your relationship. Here are a few ideas:
Having a beach-themed wedding? Try a personalized seashell or starfish.
Are you and your fiance wine connoisseurs? How about a corkscrew and/or bottle stopper?
For a garden wedding, think about giving some flower seeds in little pots or a hanging bird seed design for your guest's gardens.
Is your heritage important to you? Share that part of your lives with your guests. Irish? Share your luck! Japanese? Give your guests something they can use time and time again.
The possibilities are endless! Just be creative and make sure that your favors hold a special meaning to you. Don't feel pressured into giving a wedding favor if you just feel the need to do so. It can end up being another source of stress on your big day as well as an added expense. Unless it is a gift that means something to you, your relationship, or your guests - feel free to opt out. None of your guests will feel slighted. After all, you just threw them the party of a lifetime!
Choosing a color scheme for your wedding is an important detail that can take your big day from average to unforgettable! The colors you choose for your wedding can be powerful tools – they can reinforce your chosen theme or even stand on their own to make a distinct statement. Bright, bold colors are the major contenders in spring and summer looks this year. Imagine passionate colors ranging anywhere from jewel tones to soft, pale tints. Think of adding splashes of intense color against a neutral background for a modern look, or pair together two or three bold colors for a startlingly cheerful atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a sweet garden wedding or a tropical beach ceremony, these fresh, vivid colors will make your day extraordinary!
Consider these color ideas:
Turquoise and other shades of beachy blues are all-time favorites this time of year. Pair with corals and peaches for a cool, tropical atmosphere.
Yellows, pinks, and purples are solid choices if you want that burst of color. These colors really have a chance to pop when set against a background of white, ivory, navy or black.
Surfacing repeatedly this season is gray. A light, silvery gray can be used as an accent color with darker shades, but makes quite a modern, romantic statement when used as a neutral backdrop to showcase a splash of color.
Beige, taupe and cream are classic wedding colors that will never go out of style and make for a muted, romantic color palate.
When choosing your wedding colors, remember that integration is key. Once you decide on which shades you want, carry them throughout each area of your day. Introduce your theme with your invitations; have your bridal party show them off with bridesmaid dresses and matching vests for the groomsmen; add an interesting edge to your cake; and let them shine with the décor at your ceremony and reception. Just remember to have fun with your choices and surround yourself with an atmosphere of excitement and relaxation on your big day!
